Rampant Saints are still sinners

Southampton 2, Crewe Alex 0: LACKLUSTRE finishing from the Saints made for a respectable scoreline, but the manner of Saturday's defeat simply emphasised the size of the task facing Crewe Alex this season.

Southampton 2, Crewe Alex 0: LACKLUSTRE finishing from the Saints made for a respectable scoreline, but the manner of Saturday's defeat simply emphasised the size of the task facing Crewe Alex this season.

Harry Redknapp's side look on a mission to bounce straight back to the Premiership, but the lack of a clinical finisher meant all but two of the numerous chances they made went unconverted.

But nobody, least of all the Alex players, will have been fooled by the scoreline. The home team ran riot in the early stages at the magnificent St Mary's Stadium, and it was only when they drew breath that Crewe got into the match.

It was, of course, one of the most difficult fixtures of the season and points will be easier to come by elsewhere. But Dario Gradi admitted the Alex's first league defeat of the season could be a wake-up call.

He said: 'I've told the players there are going to be a few games like this because it is a tough division. We knew it would be, especially against clubs of the standard of Southampton.

'I've told them to keep going, continue to play proper football and try to nick that goal that could change matches. We couldn't cope with their quality but we gave it a go and tried to play our football.' Mark Rivers and Mike Higdon were recalled at the expense of Juan Ugarte and Steve Jones, while loan keeper Ross Turnbull made his Crewe debut in the first-ever league meeting between the sides, deputising for the injured Ben Williams.

And the Middlesbrough man learned he was in for a busy day from the off as the Saints surged forward. The class they showed in moving the ball around and picking holes through the Alex defence suggests they will spend little time in the Championship.

Nigel Quashie, in particular, put on a midfield masterclass, displaying power and precision. He dominated the centre of the park and topped his day with a super second-half strike.

Kenny Lunt and David Vaughan seemed powerless to stop him while Billy Jones still looks uncomfortable in midfield, defending well but getting caught in possession too often.

Kenwyne Jones and Ricardo Fuller made life difficult for Richard Walker and Adie Moses, though they battled well. But a nervousness had crept into the Alex's play, demonstrated when Darren Moss, Jones and Vaughan all conceded possession on the edge of their own box in the opening 15 minutes.

The error by the Welshman resulted in Djamal Belmadi's goal, when he was allowed to race past Walker and Moses before firing past Turnbull. The keeper had no chance with either goal and he acquitted himself well overall, making many decent saves.

In truth, Crewe looked dangerous when they did get forward, but chances must be converted when they are so rare. Luke Varney volleyed over in the first half from close in and substitute Steve Jones headed weakly in the second.

But Southampton looked like they had another gear to shift into if the Alex had hit the net. It wasn't called upon and the Alex left the South Coast glad they don't have to face the likes of the Saints every week.